UK's Palestine Action forces closure of Israeli Elbit Systems factory
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Despite encountering arrests, raids, and imprisonment, Palestine Action's unwavering commitment has led to the closure of Elbit Systems' Elite KL factory in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
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Activists from Palestine Action taking action against “Israel's” weapons trade. (Palestine Action, X)
Amid the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza, the unwavering effort by Palestine Action has compelled Elbit Systems, "Israel’s" largest arms company, to permanently close yet another weapons factory in the UK, despite facing arrests, raids, and imprisonment.
The group announced on Thursday that its efforts have led to the permanent closure of Elbit Systems' Elite KL factory in Tamworth, Staffordshire. This marks the third Elbit Systems site in the UK to be forced to shutter permanently by Palestine Action.
BREAKING: Palestine Action permanently shut Elbit down in Tamworth!
— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) March 28, 2024
After sustained direct action, the Israeli weapons maker was forced to sell due to increased security costs which cut their profits by 75%.
The new owners wrote to Palestine Action to confirm the factory is no… pic.twitter.com/MCwlknGtUr
As per the pro-Palestine group's statement, the company had previously produced cooling and power management systems for military vehicles but was later sold due to declining profits and rising security expenses attributed to the actions of Palestine Action.
The Tamworth factory used to make Israeli weaponry — Now, they only make parts for public transport and are no longer owned by Israel's largest weapons firm.
— Palestine Action (@Pal_action) March 28, 2024
You do not need to beg the powers that be to create change. This was achieved through relentless direct action!
In another post on X, Palestine Action commented on the closure by affirming that "direct action forced Israel's largest arms firm out of their Tamworth factory."
"We didn't beg the oppressors to change — we took matters into our own hands and shut Elbit down," it added.
Griffin Newco Ltd, identified as the new owners of Elite KL, verified the information via an email communication with Palestine Action.
“Following the recent acquisition of Elite KL Limited by a UK investment syndicate, the newly appointed board has unanimously agreed to withdraw from all future defense contracts and terminate its association with its former parent company,” the email read.
It is worth noting that Elbit Systems is known for supplying the Israeli occupation forces with drones, munitions, combat vehicles, missiles, and various other types of weaponry. According to the British newspaper Morning Star, "The majority of their arms are marketed as 'battle-tested,' meaning they have been deployed in bombardments against the Palestinian people."
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